Palace chase defensive reinforcements on deadline day as Larsen deal nears completion

Crystal Palace are stepping up their efforts to land a new centre-back before the window slams shut, looking to fill the void left by Marc Guehi's move to Manchester City.

It's been a turbulent transfer window at Selhurst Park, with plenty of upheaval off the pitch as well as on it. Head coach Oliver Glasner has already confirmed his departure at season's end, while Jean-Philippe Mateta appears destined to follow Guehi out the door. The forward's transfer to AC Milan has been agreed in principle, though his medical today could still prove decisive—two potential stumbling blocks remain in place.

Palace have already moved to address their departures, landing Evann Guessand on loan from Aston Villa with a purchase option attached. But the real business is happening on deadline day itself, with Jorgen Strand Larsen poised to complete his switch from Wolves.

The Eagles have beaten Leeds United to the punch in the race for the Norwegian striker, agreeing terms worth an initial £43m with a further £5m available through add-ons. Larsen's medical came through on Monday morning, meaning his arrival should be rubber-stamped before the window closes.

Yet Palace aren't stopping there. With Guehi gone, they're now hunting for defensive cover, with two names circulating as potential targets: Ruben Kluivert of Lyon and Club Brugge's Joel Ordonez.

According to reports, Palace are in active dialogue with Lyon over a deal for Kluivert, the brother of Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert. The Eagles, sitting 15th in the Premier League, are keen to bolster their backline this winter, and the Dutch defender fits the bill.

The Club Brugge situation appears more complicated. Palace have reportedly tabled a substantial offer for Ordonez—described as a "monster bid" worth around 40 million euros, approximately £34m—but the Belgian club are reluctant to part with their key asset mid-season.

With Glasner's side determined to make moves happen before the window shuts, a second deadline day signing remains very much on the cards.